IN A PICKLE. In a good way, that is! The Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club and Village of Lake Hallie recently celebrated the groundbreaking of what will be the largest pickleball facility across several states. (Photo of CVPC players at McDonough Park)

In partnership with the Village of Lake Hallie, the Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club recently began construction of 12 new pickleball courts in Gower Park for a total of 18 courts in the entire complex. Honoring the popularity of the sport and the excitement surrounding it, this complex is set to be the largest pickleball facility across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa.

“It’s the fastest growing sport in the country,” says Greg Helgeson, president of the local club. “No matter if you’re 5 years old or 95 years old, you can play pickleball.”

Lake Hallie welcomed six new pickleball courts in the summer of 2023, and broke ground on the additional 12 courts in December thanks to collaborative efforts and lack of snow. The 18-court pickleball complex is shooting for a July 1 opening.

“(We’re hoping the new courts) give us opportunities to host some nice tournaments and bring in visitors to the Chippewa Valley. ... Our mission is to provide inclusive, respectful, and welcoming pickleball for all ages.”

Greg Helgeson

president of the chippewa valley pickleball club

Phase 1 of the park’s construction consists of 12 new courts that are individually fenced to help players control balls during play, six light posts to illuminate some of the courts at night, and an expanded parking area. The first phase – which will cost about $350,000 – is already fully funded thanks to the village of Lake Hallie, the club, and Markquart Motors.

Phase 2 will be a future project with a permanent bathroom facility, a new pavilion, paved parking, and additional maintenance of the courts. The 12 new courts will also be sponsored by various businesses or individuals, and will be recognized by name in the final design.

Expansion plans.

“(We're hoping the new courts) give us opportunities to host some nice tournaments and bring in visitors to the Chippewa Valley,” Helgeson said. 

“Our mission is to provide inclusive, respectful, and welcoming pickleball for all ages in the Chippewa Valley,” Helgeson said. “The exercise is really good for you, and, what I’ve discovered, is the social aspect of playing pickleball is also very important. … You have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make new friends.”

The club encourages folks to seek indoor courts for the winter months, and to join the club for coordinated play times, lessons as needed, and to keep up with club updates. If interested, there are further volunteer opportunities for members to keep involved with the sport’s community. The club currently has about 500 members.

“We just want everybody to know that we welcome everybody regardless of your age or if you’ve played a racket sport before or not; if you have a desire to get into a really fun game, we are there for you and we want you to be a part of it,” Helgeson said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced closer to the project's finish.

The site in progress before snowfall. Photo by Helgeson.

Sign up at chippewavalleypickleballclub.com. If you’re interested in sponsoring a new court in the area, reach out through their website!